Red vs. Gibby

During Sunday’s Mariner broadcast, the Question of the Day asked: “Which pitcher holds the major league record for consecutive quality starts?” Both Niehaus and Blowers guessed that Bob Gibson holds the record. The plurality of fans guessed Greg Maddux. Niehaus and Blowers were correct; but, the most interesting thing said during the exchange was that former Mariner Broadcaster Ron Fairly put up outstanding offensive numbers against Gibson. I investigated this assertion in order to verify it.

Red Fairly

Ron Fairly is well known to Mariner fans, having spent fourteen seasons as a broadcaster with the organization before retiring following the 2006 season. But, long before embarking on his career as a color commentator with the Ms, he enjoyed a long tenure in the big leagues as an outfielder and first baseman.

His career spanned 21 seasons, and during that time he played for six teams: the Dodgers, Expos, Cardinals, Athletics, Angels, and Blue Jays. Like anyone who sticks around the big leagues for over twenty seasons, he put up solid numbers and earned two appearances at the Mid-Summer Classic. Over his career, Fairly averaged these numbers each season: .266 AVG; .360 OBP; .408 SLG; 20 2B; 14 HR; 69 RBI; 62 R.

Fairly really stepped up his game against Hall of Famer Bob Gibson, the dominant pitcher most responsible for MLB lowering the mound. In 1968 he maintained a miniscule 1.12 ERA and for his career, an ERA below three. Niehaus was right though. Ron Fairly really hit Gibson well.

Bob Gibson: bringing the heat

It turns out Ron Fairly faced Bob Gibson more times during his career than any other pitcher. In 179 plate appearances against Gibson, Fairly batted .302 with a .369 OBP and .440 SLG. He clubbed four HRs and knocked in 24 RBIs against the former MVP, 2-time Cy Young Winner, 2-time World Series MVP, and 8-time All Star.

Who knew Red was once on the cover of SI?

I tip my cap to Red, and I hope he is enjoying retirement. There aren’t too many hitters out there who can say they felt comfortable in the box against Bob Gibson. Actually, as you learn here, even Red could not be totally comfortable digging in against Gibson, especially after paying him a compliment.